It's been over 3 months since the Taliban took over and deliberations between countries on the Afghanistan crisis continues. In the latest Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla met U.S. Special representative for Afghanistan Thomas West to discuss the ongoing developments.

Indian Foreign Secy Shringla meets US special representative for Afghanistan

India's Prof. Patel who has been elected to the international law commission has called for regional voices from Africa and Asia in the international law-making process. He has been elected for a period of 5 year starting first of January 2023. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "Until and unless, due importance to regional voices, be it Africa, Asia are given to international law making, international law can hardly have the appeal or the utility to international community as a whole." He got overwhelming support during the election, with 163 votes in 192 members present and voting. India topped in the Asia Pacific group. International Law Commission which holds its session in Geneva has 34 members from 34 countries. The commission deals with codification of international law and law like the Rome statute, UNCLOS owe origin to proposals by the commission. The professor explained that, "There is huge revival and importance of international law in the international law making and realizing the importance of international law is not just for development of law, but for security, economic development ".

WION Exclusive: Need Asian, African voices at International law making, says Prof Bimal Patel

China has surpassed the US to become the richest nation in the world. But can China stay rich? The Communist Party's crackdown on the rich has scared investors. They are now turning to India. Palki Sharma tells you how global investors are now putting more money in India.

Gravitas: China is now the richest country in the world. Can it stay rich?

Several outbreaks of severe bird flu have been reported in Europe and Asia to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), triggering fears of human transmission.

China has reported 21 human infections with the H5N6 subtype of avian influenza so far this year, which is more than in the whole of 2020, according to local media reports.

Japan has reported its first outbreak of the 2021 winter season, at a poultry farm in the northeast of the country, the OIE said, confirming a statement last week by Japan's agriculture ministry. The serotype in this outbreak was H5N8.

South Korea, too, reported an outbreak at a farm of around 770,000 poultry in Chungcheongbuk-do, the OIE said on Monday, citing a report from the South Korean authorities. All animals were slaughtered.

In India, some parts of the state reported the spread of avian influenza. In western Rajasthan state, 189 birds died due to H5N1 virus on Sunday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bird-flu-triggers-worries-of-another-pandemic-354934">Bird Flu triggers worries of another pandemic</a>

India had reported its first case of human transmission in July this year when an 11-year-old boy died of H5N1 virus while undergoing treatment for leukaemia and pneumonia in Dehli’s AIIMS hospital.

In Europe, Norway reported an H5N1&nbsp;bird flu outbreak&nbsp;in the Rogaland region in a flock of 7,000 birds, the OIE said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-reports-first-cases-of-h5n8-bird-flu-in-humans-365072">Russia reports first cases of H5N8 bird flu in humans</a>

The Belgian government has put the country on a bird flu lockdown, ordering poultry to be kept indoors as of Monday, after a highly pathogenic variant of bird flu was identified in a wild goose near Antwerp.

Similarly, France and Netherlands also announced strict measures to curb the spread of virus in October.

Germany reported several cases in a couple of farms with the latest outbreak seen on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-confirms-this-seasons-first-bird-flu-outbreak-culling-143000-chickens-428219">Japan confirms this season's first bird flu outbreak, culling 143,000 chickens</a>

Bird flu or Avian influenza is a highly infectious and severe respiratory disease in birds caused by the H5N1 influenza virus, which can occasionally infect humans as well.

According to experts, Bird flu cannot be transmitted through the eating of poultry products.

According to World Health Organization, from January 2003 to July 8, 2021, there were 239 cases of human infection of avian influenza. Of these cases, 455 were fatal. The last was reported from Laos on October 31, 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several outbreaks of severe bird flu have been reported in Europe and Asia to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), triggering fears of human transmission.

Several outbreaks of severe bird flu have been reported in Europe and Asia to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), triggering fears of human transmission. China has reported 21 human infections with the H5N6 subtype of avian influenza so far this year, which is more than in the whole of 2020, according to local media reports. Japan has reported its first outbreak of the 2021 winter season, at a poultry farm in the northeast of the country, the OIE said, confirming a statement last week by Japan's agriculture ministry. The serotype in this outbreak was H5N8. South Korea, too, reported an outbreak at a farm of around 770,000 poultry in Chungcheongbuk-do, the OIE said on Monday, citing a report from the South Korean authorities. All animals were slaughtered. In India, some parts of the state reported the spread of avian influenza. In western Rajasthan state, 189 birds died due to H5N1 virus on Sunday. Also read | Bird Flu triggers worries of another pandemic India had reported its first case of human transmission in July this year when an 11-year-old boy died of H5N1 virus while undergoing treatment for leukaemia and pneumonia in Dehli’s AIIMS hospital. In Europe, Norway reported an H5N1 bird flu outbreak in the Rogaland region in a flock of 7,000 birds, the OIE said. Also read | Russia reports first cases of H5N8 bird flu in humans The Belgian government has put the country on a bird flu lockdown, ordering poultry to be kept indoors as of Monday, after a highly pathogenic variant of bird flu was identified in a wild goose near Antwerp. Similarly, France and Netherlands also announced strict measures to curb the spread of virus in October. Germany reported several cases in a couple of farms with the latest outbreak seen on Wednesday. Also read | Japan confirms this season's first bird flu outbreak, culling 143,000 chickens Bird flu or Avian influenza is a highly infectious and severe respiratory disease in birds caused by the H5N1 influenza virus, which can occasionally infect humans as well. According to experts, Bird flu cannot be transmitted through the eating of poultry products. According to World Health Organization, from January 2003 to July 8, 2021, there were 239 cases of human infection of avian influenza. Of these cases, 455 were fatal. The last was reported from Laos on October 31, 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

Europe, Asia on alert after reporting ‘severe’ avian influenza outbreak

Defending its move on joining with India in changing “phase down" instead of "phase out" of coal in the final text of the COP26 conference declaration, China asked developed countries to stop using the coal first and provide financial aid to developing countries to adopt green technologies.

Responding to COP26 Chairman Alok Sharma’s comments highly critical of China and India for rejecting calls on “phasing out” coal firepower, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said:&nbsp;“To optimise energy structure and reduce the proportion of coal consumption is an incremental process. The varying national conditions, development stage and resources endowment of different countries should be respected.”

The official told a media briefing that a complete phase out of coal was not possible, as many developing, and least developed countries don’t have adequate finance for an alternate source of energy.

“In many developing countries, not everyone has access to electricity and energy supply is not adequate. Before asking all countries to stop using coal, consideration should be given to the energy shortfall in these countries to ensure their energy security,” he said.

“We encourage developed countries to take the lead in stopping using coal while providing ample funding, technological and capacity-building support for developing countries’ energy transition. We need concrete actions more than slogans,” Zhao added.

On Saturday, negotiators from nearly 200 countries accepted a new climate agreement after the COP26 summit in Glasgow concluded with the deal, which recognises India’s intervention for the world to “phase down” rather than “phase out” fossil fuels.

Alok Sharma said he was “deeply frustrated” after India, backed by China and other coal-dependent developing nations, refused to completely end use of coal energy.

(With inputs from agencies)

Defending its move on joining with India in changing “phase down" instead of "phase out" of coal in the final text of the COP26 conference declaration, China asked developed countries to stop using the coal first and provide financial aid to developing countries to adopt green technologies.

Defending its move on joining with India in changing “phase down" instead of "phase out" of coal in the final text of the COP26 conference declaration, China asked developed countries to stop using the coal first and provide financial aid to developing countries to adopt green technologies. Responding to COP26 Chairman Alok Sharma’s comments highly critical of China and India for rejecting calls on “phasing out” coal firepower, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said: “To optimise energy structure and reduce the proportion of coal consumption is an incremental process. The varying national conditions, development stage and resources endowment of different countries should be respected.” The official told a media briefing that a complete phase out of coal was not possible, as many developing, and least developed countries don’t have adequate finance for an alternate source of energy. “In many developing countries, not everyone has access to electricity and energy supply is not adequate. Before asking all countries to stop using coal, consideration should be given to the energy shortfall in these countries to ensure their energy security,” he said. “We encourage developed countries to take the lead in stopping using coal while providing ample funding, technological and capacity-building support for developing countries’ energy transition. We need concrete actions more than slogans,” Zhao added. On Saturday, negotiators from nearly 200 countries accepted a new climate agreement after the COP26 summit in Glasgow concluded with the deal, which recognises India’s intervention for the world to “phase down” rather than “phase out” fossil fuels. Alok Sharma said he was “deeply frustrated” after India, backed by China and other coal-dependent developing nations, refused to completely end use of coal energy. (With inputs from agencies)

COP26: China defends move on joining India to ‘phase down’ instead of ‘phase out’ coal

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed on a highway airstrip in an Indian Air Force’s C-130J Super Hercules plane on Tuesday to inaugurate the 341-kilometre-long Purvanchal Expressway in northern Uttar Pradesh state.

The inauguration comes months ahead of the high-stakes assembly elections that is scheduled to take place in India's most populous Uttar Pradesh state in&nbsp;2022

The 3.2 kilometre-long airstrip has been constructed on the expressway to facilitate the emergency landing of fighter aircraft.

The 341-km expressway aims to reduce travel time state capital Lucknow with Ghazipur from 6 hours to 3.5 hours. It has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 22,500 crore.

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Trial landing on Purvanchal Expressway. <a href="https://t.co/d2Zsup92jj">pic.twitter.com/d2Zsup92jj</a>
— Office Of Mrityunjay Kumar (@MrityunjayOffic) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrityunjayOffic/status/1459832420346195971?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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From the airstrip venue, the prime minister will witness an air show by different aircraft.

The over 340-km-long expressway will have seven major bridges, seven railway overbridges, 114 minor bridges, and 271 underpasses.

An official statement said that the six-lane expressway can be expanded to eight lanes in future.

The inauguration event will also see Su-30 MKIs, Jaguars and Mirage 2000 fighter jets making multiple take-offs and landings at the emergency airstrip.

Awanish K Awasthi, Additional Chief Secretary in the UP govt's home department, told news agency ANI that the foundation laying of the Purvanchal Expressway was done in July 2018 and within 36 months the work had been completed despite COVID-19 outbreak, and without time or cost overrun.

<h2>About C-130J Super Hercules</h2>

C-130J, also known as the Super Hercules, is a military aircraft that is meant for special operations and has the capability to land at short and rough airstrips.

The C-130J Super Hercules is the most advanced C-130 ever designed, built, flown and maintained, with a truly integrated digital core that offers: -Dual HUDs for increased situational awareness, Block 7.0/8.1 software, installed in-line during production, Automated maintenance fault reporting, Integrated defensive suite, 250 knot ramp/door.

C-130J Super Hercules aircraft is designed and manufactured by American defence company Lockheed Martin. It has a landing distance of 914 metres and a range of 4,000 kilometres.&nbsp;

The C-130J&nbsp;aircraft conducted its first flight in 1996 and completed a million flight hours worldwide by 2013.&nbsp;

As of September 2021, the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft has clocked in over 2 million flight hours.

Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates 12 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, the first of which was ordered in 2007. They&nbsp;carried out the highest landing of a C-130J in 2013, which is 34.37-metre-long with a wingspan of 40.41 metres.

The 2013 highest landing by the Indian Air Force took place at the Daulat Beg Oldi airstrip in Ladakh at the height of 16,614 ft.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed on a highway airstrip in an Indian Air Force’s C-130J Super Hercules plane on Tuesday to inaugurate the 341-kilometre-long Purvanchal Expressway in northern Uttar Pradesh state.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed on a highway airstrip in an Indian Air Force’s C-130J Super Hercules plane on Tuesday to inaugurate the 341-kilometre-long Purvanchal Expressway in northern Uttar Pradesh state. The inauguration comes months ahead of the high-stakes assembly elections that is scheduled to take place in India's most populous Uttar Pradesh state in 2022 The 3.2 kilometre-long airstrip has been constructed on the expressway to facilitate the emergency landing of fighter aircraft. The 341-km expressway aims to reduce travel time state capital Lucknow with Ghazipur from 6 hours to 3.5 hours. It has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 22,500 crore. Trial landing on Purvanchal Expressway. pic.twitter.com/d2Zsup92jj — Office Of Mrityunjay Kumar (@MrityunjayOffic) November 14, 2021 × From the airstrip venue, the prime minister will witness an air show by different aircraft. The over 340-km-long expressway will have seven major bridges, seven railway overbridges, 114 minor bridges, and 271 underpasses. An official statement said that the six-lane expressway can be expanded to eight lanes in future. The inauguration event will also see Su-30 MKIs, Jaguars and Mirage 2000 fighter jets making multiple take-offs and landings at the emergency airstrip. Awanish K Awasthi, Additional Chief Secretary in the UP govt's home department, told news agency ANI that the foundation laying of the Purvanchal Expressway was done in July 2018 and within 36 months the work had been completed despite COVID-19 outbreak, and without time or cost overrun. About C-130J Super Hercules C-130J, also known as the Super Hercules, is a military aircraft that is meant for special operations and has the capability to land at short and rough airstrips. The C-130J Super Hercules is the most advanced C-130 ever designed, built, flown and maintained, with a truly integrated digital core that offers: -Dual HUDs for increased situational awareness, Block 7.0/8.1 software, installed in-line during production, Automated maintenance fault reporting, Integrated defensive suite, 250 knot ramp/door. C-130J Super Hercules aircraft is designed and manufactured by American defence company Lockheed Martin. It has a landing distance of 914 metres and a range of 4,000 kilometres. The C-130J aircraft conducted its first flight in 1996 and completed a million flight hours worldwide by 2013. As of September 2021, the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft has clocked in over 2 million flight hours. Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates 12 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, the first of which was ordered in 2007. They carried out the highest landing of a C-130J in 2013, which is 34.37-metre-long with a wingspan of 40.41 metres. The 2013 highest landing by the Indian Air Force took place at the Daulat Beg Oldi airstrip in Ladakh at the height of 16,614 ft. (With inputs from agencies)

Before inaugurating a highway, India’s PM Modi lands on it in Air Force’s C-130J Super Hercules plane

In an exclusive conversation with WION principal diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibbal and UKIBC chair hailed the ease of doing business with India. He said businesses in the UK prefer doing business with India rather than China.

UKIBC Chair: India and extremely attractive business destination

India was criticised at COP26 for "watering down" a pledge to end the use of coal. Rich countries paint developing nations as climate villains. But they have denied billions of dollars in funding. Palki Sharma tells you about the climate hypocrisy of rich nations.

Gravitas: India criticised over coal at COP26, Climate injustice is the real villain

Russia has begun delivering the S-400 missile defence system to India. The US can sanction India for the purchase. But Washington can't afford to take this step. Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: S-400: A new guardian for India's skies

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has downplayed the phasing down of coal row, which had become a bone of contention at the COP26. India with 17% of the world's population, only accounts mere 5% of the global emissions, the lowest in per capita emissions terms.

India accounts for only 5% of global emissions

India has reopened its borders to foreign tourists and has ended a 20-month restriction due to a coronavirus pandemic. The reopening of international borders comes at a time as coronavirus cases across the country are declining.

India reopens international borders, quarantine free entry to vaccinated travellers

Air pollution in the Indian capital New Delhi has seen a marginal improvement off late. The AQI now stands at 318, the improvement comes a day after the Delhi government announced one week closure of Schools.

Toxic smog engulfs New Delhi, no respite from air pollution for NCR residents

After two years of planning and 14 days of negotiations, the Glasgow climate pact was adopted on Saturday. The pact is a recognition of the need to transition away from fossil fuels. Here are the COP26 negotiations and climate politics that followed while the focus was giving up coal.

Climate summit | 'Phase out' to 'Phase down' coal, COP26 president expects India, China to explain

Education knows no age bar. A person can study at any point of time in life. This phrase is apt to describe the tale of a beaming centenarian, who has given the citizens of India yet another reason to cheer. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-pays-tribute-to-jawaharlal-nehru-on-his-132nd-birth-anniversary-429312" hreflang="en">PM Modi pays tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru on his 132nd birth anniversary</a>

Not just this, it is also a proud moment for the Indian state of Kerala as it has always had an inclination towards education as it has been the state with the highest literacy state for a long time. &nbsp; &nbsp;

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104-year-old Kuttiyamma from Kottayam has scored 89/100 in the Kerala State Literacy Mission’s test. Age is no barrier to enter the world of knowledge. With utmost respect and love, I wish Kuttiyamma and all other new learners the best. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Literacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Literacy</a> <a href="https://t.co/pB5Fj9LYd9">pic.twitter.com/pB5Fj9LYd9</a>
— V. Sivankutty (@VSivankuttyCPIM) <a href="https://twitter.com/VSivankuttyCPIM/status/1459008890708758531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The government of Kerala has also started to brag about its famed literacy endeavours as the state’s Education Minister Vasudevan Sivankutty on Friday posted a picture of 104-year-old Kuttiyamma on social media along with a heartfelt message to congratulate her for scoring well in an exam.

The exam was conducted by the government's continuing education initiative. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/respiratory-cases-on-rise-in-delhi-amid-rising-pollution-levels-says-doctors-429311" hreflang="en">Respiratory cases on rise in Delhi amid rising pollution levels, says doctors</a>

"104-year-old Kuttiyamma from Kottayam has scored 89/100 in the Kerala State Literacy Mission's test. Age is no barrier to enter the world of knowledge. With utmost respect and love, I wish Kuttiyamma and all other new learners the best," Sivankutty tweeted. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Education knows no age bar. A person can study at any point of time in life. This phrase is apt to describe the tale of a beaming centenarian, who has given the citizens of India yet another reason to cheer.

Education knows no age bar. A person can study at any point of time in life. This phrase is apt to describe the tale of a beaming centenarian, who has given the citizens of India yet another reason to cheer. Also Read: PM Modi pays tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru on his 132nd birth anniversary Not just this, it is also a proud moment for the Indian state of Kerala as it has always had an inclination towards education as it has been the state with the highest literacy state for a long time. 104-year-old Kuttiyamma from Kottayam has scored 89/100 in the Kerala State Literacy Mission’s test. Age is no barrier to enter the world of knowledge. With utmost respect and love, I wish Kuttiyamma and all other new learners the best. #Literacy pic.twitter.com/pB5Fj9LYd9 — V. Sivankutty (@VSivankuttyCPIM) November 12, 2021 × The government of Kerala has also started to brag about its famed literacy endeavours as the state’s Education Minister Vasudevan Sivankutty on Friday posted a picture of 104-year-old Kuttiyamma on social media along with a heartfelt message to congratulate her for scoring well in an exam. The exam was conducted by the government's continuing education initiative. Also Read: Respiratory cases on rise in Delhi amid rising pollution levels, says doctors "104-year-old Kuttiyamma from Kottayam has scored 89/100 in the Kerala State Literacy Mission's test. Age is no barrier to enter the world of knowledge. With utmost respect and love, I wish Kuttiyamma and all other new learners the best," Sivankutty tweeted. (With inputs from agencies)

104-year-old woman in India’s Kerala state gets 89 out of 100 marks in exam

Russia has started the delivery of S400 air defence system to India ahead of President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Putin is going to visit the country for the annual India-Russia summit on December 6. The one-day visit will see number of pacts being signed, especially between navies of the two countries. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Russia has started supplying S-400 air defence system to India, the first division will be delivered by the end of 2021," said Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) Director Dmitry Shugaev. FSMTC is managed by the president of the Russian Federation. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/quad-summits-on-the-anvil-japan-in-2022-india-in-2023-australia-in-2024-429119" hreflang="en">Quad summits on the anvil: Japan in 2022, India in 2023, Australia in 2024</a>

Putin last visited India in 2018 for the annual summit. Interestingly, it was during that visit, the contract for S400 system was signed between India and Russia. The visit by Russian president will be his second only foreign visit this year, the first one being to Geneva for summit level meeting with US President Joe Biden. &nbsp;

Defence forms main pillar of the India-Russia relationship as Moscow is New Delhi's largest defence partner. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The manufacture and co-production of four Project 1135.6 Frigates, manufacture in India of assault rifle - AK-203, through 100% indigenisation, additional supplies of Su-30 MKI, as well as the MiG-29s, additional supplies of the MANGO ammunition and VSHORAD systems are among the key projects. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/even-as-air-quality-deteriorates-india-reports-lowest-active-covid-cases-since-march-2020-429165" hreflang="en">Even as air quality deteriorates, India reports lowest active Covid cases since March 2020</a>

Earlier, Russia's top defence export body, Rosoboronexport, had expressed its readiness to give India technology for production of defence equipment. The company has worked together with Indian authorities for licensed production of multirole Su-30MKI fighter jets in India, the modernisation and transfer of the Vikramaditya aircraft carrier to the Indian Navy. &nbsp;

Rosoboronexport has also offered to train Indian specialists for the AK-203 Kalashnikov project in Amethi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Remember, India and Russia in 2019 signed an intergovernmental agreement for setting up Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited, a joint venture to manufacture the AK-203 assault rifles. The project will see production of Russia's iconic assault rifles in India with 100% localisation.&nbsp;

Russia has started the delivery of S400 air defence system to India ahead of President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi. Putin is going to visit the country for the annual India-Russia summit on December 6.

Russia has started the delivery of S400 air defence system to India ahead of President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi. Putin is going to visit the country for the annual India-Russia summit on December 6. The one-day visit will see number of pacts being signed, especially between navies of the two countries. "Russia has started supplying S-400 air defence system to India, the first division will be delivered by the end of 2021," said Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) Director Dmitry Shugaev. FSMTC is managed by the president of the Russian Federation. Also Read: Quad summits on the anvil: Japan in 2022, India in 2023, Australia in 2024 Putin last visited India in 2018 for the annual summit. Interestingly, it was during that visit, the contract for S400 system was signed between India and Russia. The visit by Russian president will be his second only foreign visit this year, the first one being to Geneva for summit level meeting with US President Joe Biden. Defence forms main pillar of the India-Russia relationship as Moscow is New Delhi's largest defence partner. The manufacture and co-production of four Project 1135.6 Frigates, manufacture in India of assault rifle - AK-203, through 100% indigenisation, additional supplies of Su-30 MKI, as well as the MiG-29s, additional supplies of the MANGO ammunition and VSHORAD systems are among the key projects. Also Read: Even as air quality deteriorates, India reports lowest active Covid cases since March 2020 Earlier, Russia's top defence export body, Rosoboronexport, had expressed its readiness to give India technology for production of defence equipment. The company has worked together with Indian authorities for licensed production of multirole Su-30MKI fighter jets in India, the modernisation and transfer of the Vikramaditya aircraft carrier to the Indian Navy. Rosoboronexport has also offered to train Indian specialists for the AK-203 Kalashnikov project in Amethi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Remember, India and Russia in 2019 signed an intergovernmental agreement for setting up Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited, a joint venture to manufacture the AK-203 assault rifles. The project will see production of Russia's iconic assault rifles in India with 100% localisation.

Ahead of Putin visit, Russia begins delivery of S400 air defence system to India

Indian govt is all set to focus on spread of Indian spirituality abroad and for this the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has started the process. The director general of ICCR Dinesh K. Patnaik held meetings with spiritual organization in the country last week to evolve a strategy. Speaking to WION he said, "Spirituality as soft power has not been used by the govt, lot of spiritual organizations in India have centers abroad...Idea is work with organization which are already in the field, and govt organization like ministry of Ayush, ICCR, MEA, Ministry of health to see all of work together to share the great treasure we have with rest of the world" Founded in 1950, ICCR is an autonomous body under the ministry of external affairs. Its main function is work towards the spread of Indian culture. Last week ICCR organized a program for foreign diplomats based in India on spirituality traditions. The programme saw a packed house. DG ICCR explained, "Spirituality, yoga, Indic traditions, great traditions of India. ICCR's job is to take Indian culture abroad, and this is large part of our culture. To see Spirituality, Yogic tradition become part of our Soft Power is what ICCR is doing" One of the major initiatives on spread of Indian tradition was Indian PM Modi's proposal at the United Nation to celebrate 21st June as Yoga Day. He gave the proposal during his first address at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. Since then, the celebrations on Yoga day have grown in size. Indian missions have been engaged in spread of yoga, including yoga certification programs. Dinesh Patnaik highlighted, "Spirituality is where mind and matter get together. There are many spiritual organizations, which do spirituality across the world, especially at a time like this.....our spirituality, our age-old traditions give us a wonderful opportunity to give solace to the world" Rishikesh on of the key locations in India which have seen lot of foreign visitors. Infact, spirituality is the biggest searches in Google.

Indian Govt's ICCR working to spread "Spirituality as Soft power"

According to Russia's state-owned news agency Sputnik, Russia has started delivering its S-400 surface to air missile systems to India. Deliveries are going as planned.

Russia starts supplying it's most advanced long ranges missile system to India

India has conferred Padma Award to Indonesia's Dr I. Wayan Dibia for art related to Ramayana and Mahabharata. He has created more than 150 new works on dance and dance dramas, mostly exploring both the Hindu Epics. Indian culture has impacted Bali since 5th century and 9 different art forms in the province utilizing the epics. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said,"people of Bali are very familiar with Mahabharata and Ramayana. The people Java too. Java Bali are areas where Ramayana and Mahabharata are very important. That is the literature we use in my performing arts..To Bali people it's not just literature, it is Itihas, story of Gods, the journey of Gods, the philosophical way of life ".

Meet Indonesian Padma Awardee whose art is based on Ramayana & Mahabharata

Is it time for India to revisit the relevance of reservation? Is Quota holding India's healthcare service hostage? Is reservation killing merit and giving undue advantage to a selected few? Listen in to Palki Sharma.

Gravitas: Should India revisit the relevance of reservation?

Referring to the Chinese military build-up across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the central government told the Supreme Court that if the Army cannot move its missile launchers, heavy machinery up to the northern Indo-China border, then how will it defend it and fight a war, if it breaks out.

Char Dham Project | 'Need good roads to defend India,' states Centre

After India hosted NSA-level talks on Afghanistan and reiterated support for a peaceful resolution in the crisis-hit country, the Taliban government have called to establish economic and diplomatic relations with New Delhi. WION's Anas Mallick in an exclusive conversation with Taliban's spokesperson Imanallah Samangani.

'Have noted Delhi summit positively,' says Taliban deputy spokesperson Imanallah Samangani

A speeding bus going to Surat crashed into a toll booth of Songadh in Tapi district of Gujarat state in India on Thursday morning.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

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Speeding Travel bus rammed into Mandal toll plaza, 15 injured . <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Accident?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Accident</a><a href="https://t.co/MkaQv1CNQF">pic.twitter.com/MkaQv1CNQF</a>
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At least 15 people were injured&nbsp;in the mishap. It included three employees of the plaza. Four of the injured are in critical condition. All of the victims have been admitted to different hospitals in Songadh. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-cases-rise-in-indias-jammu-and-kashmir-srinagar-emerges-as-hotspot-428473" hreflang="en">Covid cases rise in India's Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar emerges as hotspot</a>

The incident was caught on CCTV cameras at the toll booth. The bus seems to have been carrying attendees of a wedding party. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the Songadh police, the bus was coming from Maharashtra. Around 40 people were travelling in the bus. At around 11 am, the driver was not able to control the vehicle and crashed it into the toll booth at high speed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rush-save-his-life-at-any-cost-lady-cop-lifts-unconscious-man-takes-him-to-safety-amid-chennai-rains-428466" hreflang="en">'Rush, save his life at any cost': Lady cop lifts unconscious man, takes him to safety, amid Chennai rains</a>

It went straight into the cabin, where a female cashier was sitting. A woman and a male employee, who were standing near the cabin, were also injured. &nbsp;&nbsp;

After the collision, the cabin of the toll booth was completely destroyed. The machines kept there were also damaged. After the mishap, there was also a long jam at the toll booth. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A speeding bus going to Surat crashed into a toll booth of Songadh in Tapi district of Gujarat state in India on Thursday morning. Speeding Travel bus rammed into Mandal toll plaza, 15 injured .

A speeding bus going to Surat crashed into a toll booth of Songadh in Tapi district of Gujarat state in India on Thursday morning. Speeding Travel bus rammed into Mandal toll plaza, 15 injured . #Gujarat #Accidentpic.twitter.com/MkaQv1CNQF — My Vadodara (@MyVadodara) November 11, 2021 × At least 15 people were injured in the mishap. It included three employees of the plaza. Four of the injured are in critical condition. All of the victims have been admitted to different hospitals in Songadh. Also Read: Covid cases rise in India's Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar emerges as hotspot The incident was caught on CCTV cameras at the toll booth. The bus seems to have been carrying attendees of a wedding party. According to the Songadh police, the bus was coming from Maharashtra. Around 40 people were travelling in the bus. At around 11 am, the driver was not able to control the vehicle and crashed it into the toll booth at high speed. Also Read: 'Rush, save his life at any cost': Lady cop lifts unconscious man, takes him to safety, amid Chennai rains It went straight into the cabin, where a female cashier was sitting. A woman and a male employee, who were standing near the cabin, were also injured. After the collision, the cabin of the toll booth was completely destroyed. The machines kept there were also damaged. After the mishap, there was also a long jam at the toll booth. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Speeding bus crashes into toll booth in India’s Gujarat, injures 15

Last week, China's malicious activities at the border with India have been uncovered by Pentagon. The US department of defense has categorically said that China has built a large village in India's north eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh.

LAC standoff: India has stepped up infrastructure development at border

India on Thursday said that it has taken note of a Pentagon report which stated that China has built a large village near the Arunachal Pradesh border.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the Indian government is keeping a constant watch on all developments and added that it will take necessary action to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He was referring to a recent report by the US Department of Defence which said that China built a large 100-home civilian village inside disputed territory between its Tibet Autonomous Region and India's Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-will-beat-russia-in-war-bizarre-article-that-also-talks-about-reunifying-taiwan-taking-arunachal-pradesh-from-india-goes-viral-after-8-years-412766">&nbsp;'China will beat Russia in war': Bizarre article that also talks about reunifying Taiwan, taking Arunachal Pradesh from India goes viral after 8 years</a>

“We have taken note of the report which makes a reference to construction activities by the Chinese side along the India-China border area, particularly in the eastern sector. China has undertaken construction activities in the past several years along the border areas, including in the areas that it has illegally occupied over decades,” India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

“India has neither accepted such illegal occupation of our territory, nor has it accepted the unjustified Chinese claims. The government has always conveyed its strong protest to such activities through diplomatic means and will continue to do so in the future,” he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/beijing-doesnt-recognize-ladakh-union-territory-and-arunachal-pradesh-chinese-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-334959">Beijing doesn’t recognize Ladakh Union Territory and Arunachal Pradesh: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs</a>

He also said that India too has stepped up infrastructure development, including construction of roads and bridges, in the areas along the border with China.

“The government remains committed to maintain the development of infrastructure along the border areas for the livelihood of its citizens including the people of Arunachal Pradesh,” Bagchi said.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-conflict-arunachal-pradesh-integral-and-inalienable-part-of-india-mea-rebuffs-china-420399">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-conflict-arunachal-pradesh-integral-and-inalienable-part-of-india-mea-rebuffs-china-420399">India-China conflict | Arunachal Pradesh integral and inalienable part of India: MEA rebuffs China</a>

According to reports, the village was established last year. It is located on the banks of the River Tsari Chu, and lies in the Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.

The area has seen clashes between India and Chinese soldiers even before the 1962 war.

The Chinese army has stepped up activity along the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh since 2020. Residential buildings, roads and communication facilities have been established along the Tsari river near Migyitun town, according to reports.

Lieutenant General Manoj Pande, chief of India’s Eastern Army Command, told reporters last month that these border villages serve “dual-use” purposes and could be used to position soldiers as well.

(With inputs from agencies)

India on Thursday said that it has taken note of a Pentagon report which stated that China has built a large village near the Arunachal Pradesh border. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the Indian government is keeping a constant watch on all developments and added that it will take necessary action to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

India on Thursday said that it has taken note of a Pentagon report which stated that China has built a large village near the Arunachal Pradesh border. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the Indian government is keeping a constant watch on all developments and added that it will take necessary action to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He was referring to a recent report by the US Department of Defence which said that China built a large 100-home civilian village inside disputed territory between its Tibet Autonomous Region and India's Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Also read | 'China will beat Russia in war': Bizarre article that also talks about reunifying Taiwan, taking Arunachal Pradesh from India goes viral after 8 years “We have taken note of the report which makes a reference to construction activities by the Chinese side along the India-China border area, particularly in the eastern sector. China has undertaken construction activities in the past several years along the border areas, including in the areas that it has illegally occupied over decades,” India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said. “India has neither accepted such illegal occupation of our territory, nor has it accepted the unjustified Chinese claims. The government has always conveyed its strong protest to such activities through diplomatic means and will continue to do so in the future,” he added. Also read | Beijing doesn’t recognize Ladakh Union Territory and Arunachal Pradesh: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs He also said that India too has stepped up infrastructure development, including construction of roads and bridges, in the areas along the border with China. “The government remains committed to maintain the development of infrastructure along the border areas for the livelihood of its citizens including the people of Arunachal Pradesh,” Bagchi said. Also read | India-China conflict | Arunachal Pradesh integral and inalienable part of India: MEA rebuffs China According to reports, the village was established last year. It is located on the banks of the River Tsari Chu, and lies in the Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. The area has seen clashes between India and Chinese soldiers even before the 1962 war. The Chinese army has stepped up activity along the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh since 2020. Residential buildings, roads and communication facilities have been established along the Tsari river near Migyitun town, according to reports. Lieutenant General Manoj Pande, chief of India’s Eastern Army Command, told reporters last month that these border villages serve “dual-use” purposes and could be used to position soldiers as well. (With inputs from agencies)

India says taken note of US report on Chinese construction activities along Arunachal border

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